A year on, rehab scheme totters

NEW DELHI: Almost a year has passed since the Delhi government has come up with a Rs 15-crore compensation scheme to help victims of rape, acid attack, trafficking, kidnapping and child abuse, but very few have been benefitted. According to the scheme, Delhi Legal Service Authority (DLSA) is empowered to decide on the compensation amount. But since the notification in February 2012, DLSA has given Rs 12.71 compensation to four rape victims. Another case has been settled without any compensation while 18 applications are pending. In 2011, 572 rape cases were reported in the city and 635 in 2012. NGOs working for rehabilitation of rape victims say it is difficult to get compensation from DLSA. With no clear application guideline, victims find it difficult to get even basic financial help for medical treatment. “Rape victims need immediate help, but it is not available,” said Arti Gupta, advocate with Delhi Commission for Women (DC W). Nearly 20 days ago, the Tis Hazari court ordered immediate compensation for an 11-year-old rape victim, said Gupta. “We approached DLSA, but the victim is yet to get compensation. We have been asked to get the victim on January 23 to DLSA for compensation hearing. Is this what we call immediate help? These victims are already traumatized and delay in financial help just make it difficult to carry on,” she added. Activists say the procedure is unclear and getting financial assistance for a rape victim who is poor or doesn't have a home is “next to impossible”. “DLSA asks for residence proof. Where will a person who lives on streets of Delhi get a residence proof? A large number of women living in slums and streets of Delhi are victims of sexual assault. Also, they can't make several trips to DLSA to get the aid as they have to earn their livelihood,” said Kiran Jha Thaku, director of Kalpana, an NGO that manages the crisis intervention centre in central Delhi. “There are many loopholes in the scheme. Financial assistance should be provided immediately. There is an urgent need to simplify the procedure,” said Gupta.

Earlier, DCW used to give an immediate financial assistance of Rs 10,000 to the victims. But the practice has been discontinued since the launch of the compensation scheme. “It was much better earlier. At least, the victims used to get some money for their treatment and other requirements. Now, the procedure is lengthy and unclear. Financial assistance is provided immediately only when court orders. The government has to deposit the money in the court. We have applied for compensation in three rape cases, the victims are yet to get the money,” said Raj Mangal Prasad, director of Pratidhi, an NGO managing the crisis intervention centre in east Delhi. Kiran Walia, the minister of women and child department, told TOI, “There is no reason why there should be any delay. The scheme was introduced to give victims financial help immediately so that they can be rehabilitated fast. We will look into the matter and streamline the system.” While Brijesh Sethi, member secretary, Delhi Legal Aid, DLSA, was not available, the administrative staff claimed many victims did not get compensation as they didn't come for second hearing.